European Disability Forum

Breaking News! We have an agreement on the #EUDisabilityCard! Update: the deadlines are less long than we originally understood - check the corrected article. The final text represents a significant improvement to the original proposal, although we regret the deadlines. We thank the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for the speedy agreement. We especially thank the Parliament's lead negotiator, Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová, for her strong defence of the demands of the disability movement. Read our reaction and more information: https://lnkd.in/dyNxwK6R

President Ursula von der Leyen's political guidelines signal the continuation of the Union of Equality. However, disability is not mentioned anywhere. We sent a letter requesting urgent clarification following the President's election: https://lnkd.in/er3bh95v

President Ursula von der Leyen's political guidelines signal the continuation of the Union of Equality. However, disability is not mentioned anywhere. We sent a letter requesting urgent clarification following the President's election: https://lnkd.in/er3bh95v

We opened two consultancy/freelance vacancies to support our Empower Ukraine project, which focuses on improving the inclusivity of humanitarian assistance! We are looking for: -  consultant who will be able to ensure the implementation of disability-inclusive safeguarding policies and practices in Ukraine - An investigative journalist (or organisation) who will be able to do reportage and news coverage of disability rights related issues and challenges in Ukraine. If this sounds like you or someone you know, apply until the 26 July! https://lnkd.in/eCHv6reh

Over 130 organisations are asking EU leaders to reinforce focus on equality for the mandate 2024-2029! We want leaders to: - Appoint a Commissioner for Equality and Fundamental Rights, ensuring the mandate has the power to renew and deepen the Union of Equality agenda. - Establish a new Directorate-General for Equality and Fundamental Rights. - Establish a Council configuration dedicated to equality in the EU and ensure concrete commitments towards implementation of equality strategies by member states. - Strengthen the Union of Equality agenda by introducing new strategies to address grounds not already covered and renewing and building-out existing equality strategies. - Ensure the next EU budget includes robust funding streams for civil society organisations working on equality and non-discrimination. - Renew and upgrade the mandates of the Commission Coordinators working on equality. - Entrust the Commission Task Force on Equality with a strong mandate and ensure it works transparently and in close consultation and cooperation with civil society organisations and networks. Read our joint statement: https://lnkd.in/d6ak2QyG

Ibrahim, who works in Belgium, often must take his personal laptop to work as his organisation doesn’t have the assistive technology necessary to do his job. This is one of the problems revealed in our new report “Digital Skills, Accommodation and Technological Assistance for Employment”. It shows the pervasive problems still facing employees with disabilities across the EU and the UK– from inaccessible hiring processes and lack of accommodation through to lack of access to assistive technology and hostile workplace cultures. The report, produced by the European Disability Forum and funded by Google.org, explores the causes of low employment of persons with disabilities. Other main findings include: - Only 1 in 4 employers have developed accessible recruitment processes, an essential step in hiring people with disabilities. - 81% of employers have no policy in place for the acquisition of assistive technology - Only 25% of employers are aware of and use public support to provide reasonable accommodation to workers with disabilities. Our recommendations include: - The need for employers to invest in accessible technology, regardless of employees’ disability status - Public authorities should increase and publicise state aid available to employers to cover reasonable accommodation – and simplify the application process. - That technology companies involve persons with disabilities when designing technological solutions. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eXJ58s2K  

Unfortunately, having a right enshrined in a law is not enough to ensure compliance. Disability-based discrimination still takes place and accessibility is not always guaranteed. Do you know where to turn if your disability rights are breached under EU law? Discover the right solution for every situation on our webpage! https://lnkd.in/d6g-zjJF #accessibility #YourEURights #law #EU #DisabilityRights

Last year, the disability movement showcased our power to drive change through unity. Beyond the figures, explore the highlights in the Annual Report, which feature the European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities and our advocacy efforts on: ➡ The European Disability Card and Parking Card ➡ The safety of persons with disabilities in Ukraine ➡ The inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in the Directive on Combating Violence Against Women, focusing on banning forced sterilisation. Read the complete version. Also available in Easy-to-Read! https://lnkd.in/dUJcR3kq #EUDisabilityCard #Ukraine #EndForcedSterilisation #DisabilityParliament #AnnualReport

👋 Calling all cities across the EU! The European Commission 2025 Access City Award competition is now open for applications. Do you know a city that deserves to be recognised for making itself accessible to persons with disabilities? 💻 Tell them to apply! 🗓 Deadline: 10 September And this year is going to be truly special as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the award, with special mentions planned. https://lnkd.in/dv5jkDYx #EUAccessCity